Devin Hester active, Marion Barber is not

GREEN BAY -- Bears receiver Devin Hester, who didn't practice last week, is active for tonight's game against the Green Bay Packers.

Hester hasn't missed a game this season, but he talked to me about the fine line of playing through pain and missing time and healing. The story is here

He also told me Friday that he would do everything possible to play tonight.

"I want to give my son a Christmas touchdown ball, man," he said. "That's how bad I want it.

"I want to take one home."

The Bears need all the help they can get, with quarterback Jay Cutler, and running backs Matt Forte and Marion Barber inactive. The Bears other inactives are Levi Horn, Andre Smith and defensive tackle Anthony Adams.

Nate Enderle is the third quarterback, which means Caleb Hanie will back up Josh McCown. The Bears, of course, could play Enderle, if McCown falters or gets injured.

The Packers have several key players sidelined. They are offensive tackles Bryan Bulaga and Chad Clifton, defensive end Ryan Pickett and receiver Greg Jennings.